Colt Following

Remember the plushophilia trend of the late '90s? Thanks to the Hub network's animated series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, "bronies" (bro plus ponies) are the new furries, the latest subculture of geeks fetishizing animals and cartoons. This newest incarnation of the franchise has stolen the hearts of adults and kids alike who tune in to watch the brightly colored magical adventures of seven ponies  clearly named by drag queens  as they learn about love and friendship in a land called Equestria. After a similar project in New York in 2008 celebrating My Little Pony's 25th anniversary, toy brand Hasbro is sponsoring the "My Little Pony Project 2012," an exhibit featuring notable fanboys (and girls), from graffiti artist COPE2 and painter Luke Chueh to gossip blogger Perez Hilton to Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh, creating 18-inch-tall artistic interpretations of Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Spike and Rarity. The gallery's exhibit and pop-up show are part of a block party of events hosted by other shops spreading the plastic passion, including JapanLA, Joyrich and Munky King. Toy Art Gallery, 7571 Melrose Ave., Hlywd.; thru May 26; free. (323) 653-8697. Mondays-Sundays. Starts: May 5. Continues through May 26, 2012